Healthcare Policy
South Carolina Healthcare Policy 2026
Medicaid expansion status, ACA coverage, uninsured rates, and how healthcare shapes the 2026 elections in South Carolina.
No
Medicaid Expanded
12.1%
Uninsured Rate
285,000
ACA Marketplace Enrollees
Federal
Exchange Type
Key Healthcare Provisions
| Medicaid Expansion (ACA) | No |
| Reproductive Healthcare | Limited (6-week ban) |
| Mental Health Parity | Limited parity |
| Drug Pricing Policy | Not regulated |
Healthcare System Overview
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid. Around 250,000 South Carolinians are in the coverage gap. The state has significant rural hospital challenges and high rates of chronic disease.
2026 Political Impact
South Carolina\'s Republican leadership has consistently refused Medicaid expansion despite rural hospital closures. Healthcare access is a growing political issue as population ages.